Fear of Needles May Chip Away at Vaccine Rates

January 2, 2018

(NPR) – The reasons people may skip vaccines such as the flu shot are many. They can include apathy or being too busy. They can include people believing that they won’t get sick or fearing vaccines. But recent research suggests another reason some may skip shots: fear of needles. And it’s a fear that may be preventable. “People who are afraid of needles are less likely to get vaccines, less likely to fully vaccinate their kids, less likely to give blood and less likely to get a flu shot,” says Dr. Amy Baxter, lead study author and clinical associate professor at Medical College of Georgia in Augusta.